Like many non-profit organizations, Bear Smart efforts are made possible through dedicated volunteers. Projects spearheaded by our volunteers include door to door campaigns, information booths at community events, media contact, fundraising and working partnerships with the city, to name a few. Two of our volunteers, Dawn Boyce and Carrie Smith share their Alberni Valley Bear Smart stories with us.
Dawn Boyce has been with the Alberni Valley Bear Smart Committee for two years now and became involved while looking for volunteer opportunities in the community.
“We had a bear in our yard when we first moved to Sproat Lake and I realized I needed some education to ensure that did not happen again. I had a feeling that it was not within the bear’s or our best interest to have wildlife attracted to our property,” says Dawn, “In seeking more knowledge I came across a piece in the newspaper in regards to Alberni Valley Bear Smart and emailed Crystal McMillan and she invited me to a meeting.”
Dawn is motivated to volunteer for the pleasure of team collaboration, working with people whom she enjoys and energize her and for the opportunity to use her experience and skills to advance a worthy cause to make a positive impact in her community. She doesn’t pinpoint an exact memorable moment but describes that it is the accumulation of interactions that help her believe in Margaret Mead’s statement “That we should never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed it is the only thing that ever has.”
Dawn’s hope is to see the collective will of the citizens and city administrators to take a leadership role in the area of wildlife stewardship.
Carrie Smith became involved with Bear Smart in June of 2008 when she became interested in the program and sought information to prevent bear encounters on her small farm. When asked about her most memorable experience she tells us that it has been at the public events when people have shared their personal stories of bear encounters.
She continues to volunteer as she sees there is still room to improve. “My goal,” she says “would be to include provisions in our land use planning to accommodate wildlife corridors.”
The Alberni Valley Bear Smart Committee, as well as Bear Smart groups in other communities, is always recruiting volunteers and appreciates any amount of time, effort and experience that you may be able to offer. If you are interested in becoming a Bear Smart volunteer, please contact us at the information listed below.
We’d love to hear from you!
Information provided by Christina Brack, Alberni Valley Bear Smart Committee Volunteer and Crystal McMillan, Executive Director for Bear Smart BC Society
For more information on how to bear-proof your campsite & home property or to volunteer with the Alberni Valley Bear Smart Committee call:
Dawn Boyce 250-723-2187 or
Darlene Clark 250-724-4657
For more information on the Ministry of Environment Bear Smart Community Program or the Bear Smart BC Society please call: Crystal McMillan at 250-266-(BEAR) 2327.